Ehrlichia canis genes and vaccines

ABSTRACT

This invention provides the sequence of 5,299 nucleotides from the  E. canis  genome. There are four proteins, ProA, ProB, MmpA, and a cytochrome oxidase homolog, as well as a partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog at the carboxy terminus, coded for in this cloned fragment. The antigenic properties of these proteins allow them to be used to create a vaccine. An embodiment of this invention includes the creation of a DNA vaccine, a recombinant vaccine, and a T cell epitope vaccine. Another embodiment of this invention includes the use of serological diagnosis techniques.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention pertains to the field of veterinary pathogens. More particularly, the present invention pertains to the sequence of specific genes of the bacterial canine pathogen Ehrlichia canis and the application of this technology to the development of a vaccine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the sequence of genes from the E. canis bacterium, and the development of a vaccine against this organism.

[0003]Ehrlichia canis (E. canis) is a small gram-negative, obligately intracytoplasmic rickettsia. This bacteria is the agent which causes canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), a tick-borne disease which predominantly affects dogs. The most common carrier of E. canis is the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The disease was described originally in Algeria in 1935. It was subsequently recognized in the United States in 1962, but is now known throughout much of the world. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused much concern during the Vietnam War, when 160 military dogs died from the E. canis infection. There is no vaccination currently available against E. canis. It is a life threatening disease that continues to be an important health concern for veterinarians and pet owners alike.

[0004] Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is an infectious blood disease. A reduction in cellular blood elements is the primary characteristic of the disease. E. canis lives and reproduces in the white blood cells (leukocytes). It eventually affects the entire lymphatic system, and devastates multiple organs. By targeting the white blood cells, these cells die off rapidly. These dead blood cells migrate primarily to the spleen, which enlarges as a result. The bone marrow recognizes the loss of the white blood cells and works to form new, healthy cells. It sends out the cells prematurely, and these immature cells do not work properly. Often, these immature cells mimic those in leukemic patients, so the disease is misdiagnosed as leukemia. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis may also predispose dogs to various cancers.

[0005] There are three stages of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. The first, acute stage mimics a mild viral infection. During the acute stage, most, if not all, of the damage is reversible and the animal is likely to recover. This is the stage where treatment is the most effective, stressing the need for early detection. Without treatment, however, the animal will progress into a subclinical (second) stage and/or to the chronic (final) stage. When the animal has reached the chronic stage, the bacterial organism has settled within the bone marrow. Many dogs in this stage suffer massive internal hemorrhage, or develop lethal complications such as sudden stroke, heart attack, renal failure, splenic rupture or liver failure.

[0006]E. canis can be cultured in vitro in a mammalian-derived cell line (DH82). Continued maintenance of these cells is difficult because the cell culture must be supplemented with primary monocytes (white blood cells found in bone marrow) every two weeks. The cultures are very slow growing, and the culture media is expensive.

[0007] Data concerning the genes in the E. canis genome has concentrated primarily on the 16S rRNA gene. Previous work has sequenced this gene, which is a ubiquitous component of the members of the ehrlichia family, as well as the majority of organisms worldwide. The high sequence homology between this gene throughout the living world and its poor immunogenicity makes it an unsuitable candidate for vaccine development. It is necessary to find other genes within this genome if hope for a vaccine against this deadly disease can ever be realized.

[0008] Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene indicates that E. canis is closely related (98.2% homology) to E. chaffeensis, the novel etiologic agent of human ehrlichiosis. Western blots of E. canis are similar when probed with antisera to E. canis, E. chaffeensis, and E. ewingi (another cause of human ehrlichiosis) indicating a close antigenic relationship between these three species (Chen et al., 1994).

[0009] The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA) has been developed for detecting canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. IFA detects the presence of antibodies against the invading organism in a dog's blood. Unfortunately, this test is not always accurate. Sometimes, dogs will test negative in the acute phase because their immune system is delayed in forming antibodies. Another false negative may occur if there is a low titer in the chronic stage. An additional drawback of this test is the cross-reactivity found. The anti E. canis polyclonal antibody positively reacts with E. chaffeensis, undermining the specificity of the test. An alternative test, the Giesma smear, has been used to locate the actual organism in a dog's blood. Unfortunately, despite appropriate staining techniques and intensive film examination, the organisms frequently can not be located. The fallibility of these tests makes it essential to provide better diagnostic tools for this disease.

[0010] Due to difficulties in the detection of a tick bite, early diagnosis of infection, the suppression of host defenses and the nature of persistent infection of the disease, an effective vaccine against E. canis is urgently needed for dogs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This invention discloses novel sequence data for E. canis genes. Specifically, a clone has been identified and sequenced. Four proteins termed ProA, ProB, mmpA (for morula membrane protein, which is an ORF), and a cytochrome oxidase homolog, have been identified within this clone. In addition, a partial gene encoding a lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog has been discovered.

[0012] An embodiment of this invention includes the creation of a vaccine with this sequence and protein information. The proteins disclosed in this invention are extremely antigenic. Therefore, they have the potential to be extremely useful as a vaccine. The types of vaccine made available by this novel technology include a DNA vaccine, a recombinant vaccine, and a T cell epitope vaccine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 shows the three clones identified in the library screen.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0014]E. canis causes a devastating canine disease. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent this disease. This invention provides the tools necessary to develop such a vaccine. More specifically, four genes have been identified from a genomic fragment of E. canis, named ProA, ProB, mmpA, and a cytochrome oxidase homolog. In addition, a partial gene coding for a lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog has been found. Any of these proteins can be utilized in an embodiment of this invention to develop a vaccine.

Screening an E. canis Library

[0015] To identify genes in the E. canis genome, a genomic DNA expression library was constructed. An E. canis strain isolated from dogs with canine ehrlichiosis was grown in the dog cell line DH82 by a technique being known in the art, and incorporated by reference (Dawson et al., 1991; Rikihisa, 1992). The cells were harvested and the chromosomal DNA extracted as described by a technique known in the art (Chang et al., 1987; Chang et al., 1989a; Chang et al., 1989b; Chang et al., 1993a; Chang et al., 1993b). To construct the library, 200 μg of DNA was partially digested with Sau3A. DNA fragments from 3 to 8 kb were isolated and ligated to a plasmid, pHG165 (Stewart et al., 1986). The plasmids were transformed into E. coli TB1 (Chang et al., 1987).

[0016] The library was screened with polyclonal antibodies against E. canis. Polyclonal antibodies were generated from dogs that had been bitten by a tick harboring E. canis. The polyclonal antibodies were preabsorbed with the lysate of an E. coli host strain. The library was plated on petri plates at a density of 1,000 colony forming units. Colonies were transferred to nitrocellulose and each filter was probed with 1 ml of the preabsorbed polyclonal antibodies. Positive colonies were identified with a second antibody consisting of an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG (Kirkegaard and Perry Laboratories, Gaithersburg, Md.), followed by color development with a substrate solution containing nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP). Positive clones were rescreened three times.

[0017] Three clones were isolated from this screening procedure, pCH2, 4, and 5 (FIG. 1). Within these three positive clones, an overlapping reading frame was found that codes for mmpA. The longest genomic fragment (pCH4) encodes four complete genes and one partial gene. It completely encodes the proteins ProA, ProB, mmpA, and a cytochrome oxidase homolog, as well as containing the partial sequence of a lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog. ProA and ProB are located on a single operon. Restriction endonuclease digestion mapping and DNA sequencing were done by techniques known in the art, and incorporated by reference (Chang et. al., 1987; Chang et. al., 1989a; Chang et. al., 1989b; Chang et. al., 1993a; Chang et. al., 1993b). Briefly, the DNA sequence was determined by automated DNA sequencing on the ABI PRISM Model 377 DNA system. The complete nucleotide sequences were determined on both strands by primer walking. The thermal cycling of the sequencing reactions utilized the Taq DyeDeoxy™ Terminator Cycle sequencing kit. Databases were searched for homologous proteins through the use of the BLAST network service of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) (Althchul et al., 1990; Gish et al., 1993).

Sequence Information

[0018] The E. canis genes were sequenced. The cloned fragment contains 5,299 nucleotides, and codes for four proteins. There is also one partial gene at the carboxy terminus. SEQ. ID. NO. 1 is the entire nucleotide sequence. SEQ. ID. NO. 2 and 3 are the translation of nucleotides 12 through 533 from SEQ. ID. NO. 1 and code for a cytochrome oxidase homolog, which was deemed ec3 and encodes a product of 174 amino acids. Cytochrome oxidase is important in virulence, and therefore is a strong candidate for use in a vaccine. SEQ. ID. NO. 4 and 5 are the translation of nucleotides 939 through 2,252 from SEQ. ID. NO. 1 and code for ProA. ProA begins 402 nucleotides downstream from the end of ec3 and encodes a product of 438 amino acids. The ProA protein shares extensive characteristics with the putrilysin family, which is a subset of metallopeptidases. The highest homology is seen in the N-terminal portion, which includes conserved putative metal binding sequence, His-X-X-Glu-His as well as conserved Glu for catalysis. ProA was also shown to share 27% of its characteristics over 284 amino acids with MPP-β (mitochondrial processing peptidase) in Solanum tuberosum (Genbank accession number X80237) and 27% of its characteristics over 222 amino acids with E. Coli pitrilysin (Genbank accession number M17095). Many bacterial zinc proteases are also found to share homology with ProA protein, such as PqqF in M.extrorquens AM1 where 36% of 376 amino acids are shared(Genbank accession number L43135), Y4wA in Rhizobium sp. where 34% of 416 amino acids are shared (Genbank accession number AE000103), 27% of 419 amino acids of the putative gene product PA0372 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Genbank accession number AE004475), and 26% of 389 amino acids of the putative gene product of BP1012 in Helicobacter pylori, strain 26695 are shared (Genbank accession number AE000609). SEQ. ID. NO. 6 and 7 are the translation of nucleotides 2,258 through 3,610 from SEQ. ID. NO. 1 and code for ProB. ProB begins 6 nucleotides after the end of proA and encodes a protein of 451 amino acids long. Through Blast analysis it was shown that ProB does not contain the conserved Zinc-binding domain. ProB was shown to share homology with both subunits of the MPP subfamily and some bacterial putative zinc proteases such as PqqF, Y4wA, and the gene products of PA0372. ProB also shared homology with bacterial proteases that do not contain Zinc-ligand motif, but show similarities with the pitrilysin family, such as PqqG, Y4wB, gene product of PA0371, and the gene product of HP0657 in M. extrorquens AM1, Rhizobium sp., P. aeruginosa, and H. pylori 26695. Preliminary evidence indicates that ProA and ProB are proteases. SEQ. ID. NO. 8 and 9 are the translation of nucleotides 4,132 through 4,794 from SEQ. ID. NO. 1 and code for ORF, designated mmpA. The polypeptide that is generated consists of 221 amino acids and does not have a significant identity to any proteins found in existing databases. SEQ. ID. NO. 10 and 11 are the translation of the complementary sequence of nucleotides 4,883 through 5,299 from SEQ. ID. NO. 1 and code for the partial sequence of a lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog. Lipoprotein signal peptidases are membrane proteins, and by nature may be less desirable for vaccine development. However, this protein is still worth pursuing in the creation of a vaccine.

Structure and Expression of ProA, ProB, mmpA, Cytochrome Oxidase and the Lipoprotein Signal

[0019] Structurally, MmpA is extremely hydrophobic with five transmembrane segments and three potential antigenic determinants, which are protein kinase C phosphorylation sites located in position 7 (Ser), 37 (Ser), and 213(Ser) and one possible casein kinase II phosphorylation site in position 177 (Thr), where the above determinants were characterized by PROSITE and the PCgene programs. MmpA was localized primarily in the morula membrane. Since MmpA contains three potential phosphorylation sites, this indicates the possibility of a similar communication system as seen by phosphorylation of one of the chlamydial inclusion membrane proteins, IncA. E. canis grown in vitro (DH82 cells) expressed MmpA, furthermore, sera obtained from dogs that were naturally infected and experimentally infected with E. canis recognized MmpA, which confirms that in vivo and in vitro expression of MmpA as well as the antigenicity of MmpA. The above two results indicate that MmpA is capable of stimulating an immune response, which is necessary for a vaccine to be effective. However, E. canis is an intracellular organism, cell mediated immunity is more important in protecting the dog against this type of infection then humoral immunity and it may be possible to direct these antigens toward a predominant Th1 response using an appropriate adjuvant. The mmpA gene was found in E. canis and E. chaffeenis but was not present in the HGE agent. However, the MmpA protein was not expressed by E. chaffeenis on a western blot. E. canis with MmpA caused cells to lyse, indicating the presence of MmpA protein, where E. chaffeenis with MmpA did not lyse. This result lends to the conclusion that the MmpA protein may be useful for serodiagnosis in differentiating E. canis and E. chaffeenis. Furthermore, MmpA, ProA, and ProB proteins can be used as antigens in ELISA or Western blot analysis to perform a diagnosis of an E. canis infection in animals.

[0020] Structurally, ProA and ProB are very similar except for the fact that ProA contains a catalytic zinc-binding motif and ProB does not contain any catalytic residues. ProA and ProB were localized to the soluble cytoplasmic and periplasmic protein portion, where a tiny amount of ProA was detectable in the inner membrane fraction of the bacterial fractions that were collected to do subcellular fractionation to determine a subcellular location. E. canis and E. chaffeenis infected DH82 cells both lysed that contained anti-rProA antibodies, showing that both E. canis and E. chaffeenis express ProA in culture. Furthermore, both naturally and experimentally infected dogs with E. canis infected DH82 cells recognize rProA and rProB lending to the conclusion that ProA and ProB are expressed in vivo and in vitro. However, ProB was not detectable in a western blot using anti-rProB antibodies with E. chaffeenis. E. canis did detect anti-rProB antibodies. This result shows that ProB may serve as a tool for serological differentiation of E. canis and E. chaffeenis. Antisera from naturally and experimentally infected dogs with E. canis contained antibodies recognizing rProA and rProB. Serum from an uninfected dog did not recognize either of the two proteins. Immunofluorescence staining of E. canis in DH82 cells with rabbit anti-rProA and anti-rProB sera was performed, both ProB and ProA antiserum strongly label the intracellular ehrlichial organisms, showing that ProA and ProB can serve as target antigens and that anti-rProA and anti-rProB sera can be used for indirect immunofluorescent assays (IFA) diagnosis. Recombinant ProB can be used as an antigen in ELISA or Western blot analysis to perform a diagnosis of an E. canis infection in animals.

Overexpression of ProA, ProB, ORF, Cytochrome Oxidase and the Lipoprotein Signal Peptidase Homolog

[0021] The E. canis antigens are overexpressed in a T7 promoter plasmid. The pRSET vector allows high level expression in E. coli in the presence of T7 RNA polymerase, which has a strong affinity for the T7 promoter. After subcloning the antigen genes into the pRSET vector, the subclones are transformed into an F′ E. coli JM109 strain. For maximum protein expression, the transformants are cultured to O.D. 600=0.3, exposed to IPTG (1 mM) for one hour and then transfected with M13/T7 bacteriophages at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 5-10 plaque forming units (pfu) per cell. Time course studies indicate that maximum induction is reached two hours after induction.

[0022] The pellet is harvested by centrifugation and the cells are resuspended in 6M Guanidinium (pH 7.8). Cells are ruptured by French press and the total lysate is spun at 6000 rpm to separate cell debris by a technique known in the art, and hereby incorporated by reference (Chang et al., 1993c). Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMIAC) is used to purify each of the proteins under denaturing conditions as described by the manufacturer (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.). The protein samples are separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and visualized after staining with coomassie blue.

Diagnosis Techniques: KELA ELISA, Western Blotting (Immunoblots), and PCR

[0023] The recombinant ProA, ProB, and MmpA proteins are useful diagnostic agents. One diagnostic technique where the ProA, ProB, and MmpA proteins are used is kinetic enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (KELA ELISA), as described by a technique known in the art (Appel et al., 1993; Chang et al., 1995). KELA measures the levels of serum antibodies to E. canis that is present. In this diagnostic technique, diluted serum (1:100 dilution) is added to duplicate wells in microtiter plates that contain antigens of MmpA, ProA, and ProB. The antigens are prepared by French-pressing them. The bound antibodies are then detected by using second antibodies of a goat anti-canine antibody of heavy and light chain specificity conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Color development is seen and measured using the chromogen tetramethylbenzidine with H₂O₂ as a substrate, which is measured kinetically and expressed as the slope of the reaction rate between the enzyme and substrate solution. Each unit of slope is designated as a KELA unit. The cutoff point between positive and negative samples is then confirmed by Western blotting against French-pressed E. canis.

[0024] The procedure for Western blot analysis, as described by a technique known in the art (Appel et al., 1993; Chang et al., 1995), is performed. Recombinant ProA, ProB, and MmpA are used as antigens and are subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Western blot analysis is performed in a miniblotter. Test sera from experimental animals are used as a first antibody, followed by goat anti-dog IgG conjugated to HRP as a second antibody. Bands are developed by using substrates, such as 24 μg of 4-chloro-1-naphthol in 8 ml of methyl alcohol, 40 ml of Tris-buffer solution, and 24 μl of 30% H₂O₂.

[0025] Another diagnostic technique recombinant ProA, ProB, and MmpA proteins can be used for is PCR diagnosis. The DNA from biopsy samples of skin or from post mortem tissues or blood are extracted as described by a technique known in the art (Chang et al., 1998a; Chang et al., 1998b). To prevent contamination of the mixtures and samples, DNA extraction, amplification, and detection of PCR products are all performed in different rooms. Amplification of E. canis MmpA, ProA, or ProB-specific target sequences is carried out in a 50-μl reaction mixture. As a positive control, E. canis genomic DNA is used. As a negative control distilled water is used. The reaction mixture is then put through 40 cycles of amplification using an automated DNA thermal cycler. Each cycle involves heating the reaction mixture to 94° C. from 1 minute, to cause the DNA to denature; cooling of the reaction mixture to 69° C. for 1 minute, to allow the primers to anneal; and then heating the reaction mixture to 72° C. for 2 minutes, to allow primer extension to occur. Gel electrophoresis on a 1.5% agarose gel is done in order to get visualization of the PCR amplification products.

Vaccine Development

[0026] Prior to the present invention, no vaccine against E. canis had been developed. E. canis is endemic in dogs and closely related canidae in many parts of the world. Dogs in North America are also increasingly at risk and the application of the present invention can potentially save the lives of thousands of dogs each year. An E. canis vaccine that can elicit cell-mediated immunity against this tick-borne disease of dogs is desperately needed.

[0027] DNA Vaccine

[0028] A DNA vaccine is constructed by subcloning the gene of interest into a eukaryotic plasmid vector. Candidate vectors include, but are not limited to, pcDNA3, pCI, VR1012, and VR1020. This construct is used as a vaccine.

[0029] Each of the newly identified genes, ProA, ProB, mmpA, the cytochrome oxidase homolog, or the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog can be used to create a DNA vaccine (reviewed in Robinson, 1997). In addition, any immunologically active portion of these proteins is a potential candidate for the vaccine. A plasmid containing one of these genes in an expression vector is constructed. The gene must be inserted in the correct orientation in order for the genes to be expressed under the control of eukaryotic promoters. Possible promoters include, but are not limited to, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter, the human tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) gene (characterized in Degen et al., 1986), and the promoter/enhancer region of the human elongation factor alpha (EF-1 α) (characterized in Uetsuki et al., 1989). Orientation is identified by restriction endonuclease digestion and DNA sequencing.

[0030] Expression of these gene products is confirmed by indirect immunofluorescent staining of transiently transfected COS cells, CHO cells, or other suitable cells. The same plasmid without these genes is used as a control. Plasmid DNA is transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α. DNA is purified by cesium chloride gradients and the concentration is determined by a standard protocol being known in the art, and incorporated by reference (Nyika et al., 1998).

[0031] Once the DNA is purified, the vector containing the insert DNA can be suspended in phosphate buffer saline solution and directly injected into dogs. Inoculation can be done via the muscle with a needle or intraveneously. Alternatively, a gene gun can be used to transport DNA-coated gold beads into cells by a technique known in the art, and hereby incorporated by reference (Fynan et al., 1993). The rationale behind this type of vaccine is that the inoculated host expresses the plasmid DNA in its cells, and produces a protein that raises an immune response. Each of the newly identified genes can be used to create a vaccine by this technique.

[0032] CpG molecules can be used as an adjuvant in the vaccine. This technique is known in the art, and is hereby incorporated by reference (Klinman et al., 1997). Adjuvants are materials that help antigens or increase the immune response to an antigen. The motifs consist of an unmethylated CpG dinucleotide flanked by two 5′ purines and two 3′ pyrimidines. Oligonucleotides containing CpG motifs have been shown to activate the immune system, thereby boosting an antigen-specific immune response. This effect can be utilized in this invention by mixing the CpG oligonucleotides with the DNA vaccine, or physically linking the CpG motifs to the plasmid DNA.

[0033] Immunofluorescence staining of E. canis in DH82 cells with rabbit anti-rProA and anti-rProB sera was performed, both ProB and ProA antiserum strongly label the intracellular ehrlichial organisms, showing that ProA and ProB can serve as target antigens and that anti-rProA and anti-rProB sera can be used for indirect immunofluorescent assays (IFA) diagnosis, making the DNA vaccine a viable option to combat this disease.

[0034] Recombinant Vaccine

[0035] In order to develop a recombinant vaccine, each of the genes is individually subcloned into overexpression vectors, and then purified for vaccine development. ProA, ProB, mmpA, the cytochrome oxidase homolog, or the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog is expressed in a plasmid with a strong promoter such as the tac, T5, or T7 promoter. Alternatively, immunologically active fragments of these proteins are used in the development of a vaccine. Each of these genes is subcloned into a plasmid and transformed into an E. coli strain as described above.

[0036] The recombinant protein is overexpressed using a vector with a strong promoter. Vectors for use in this technique include pREST (Invitrogen Inc., Calif.), pKK233-3 (Pharmacia, Calif.), and the pET system (Promega, Wis.), although any vector with a strong promoter can be used. After overexpression, the proteins are purified and mixed with adjuvant. Potential adjuvants include, but are not limited to, aluminum hydroxide, QuilA, or Montamide. The purified protein is used as immunogen to vaccinate dogs by a technique being known in the art, and incorporated by reference (Chang et al., 1993c; Chang et al., 1995). Briefly, the individual protein is expressed and purified from E. coli. Then, the dogs are injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously with the purified recombinant vaccine and adjuvant. This injection elicits an immune response.

[0037] T Cell Epitope Vaccine

[0038] Direct cell cytotoxicity mediated by CD8⁺ T lymphocytes (CTL) is the major mechanism of defense against intracellular pathogens. These effector lymphocytes eliminate infected cells by recognizing short peptides associated with MHC class I molecules on the cell surface. Exogenous antigens enter the endosomal pathway and are presented to CD4⁺ T cells in association with class II molecules whereas endogenously synthesized antigens are presented to CD8⁺ T cells in association with MHC class I molecules. E. canis is an intracellular pathogen that resides in monocytes and macrophages. The present invention develops novel ways of generating an E. canis-specific CTL response that would eliminate the organism from monocytes or macrophages of infected animals.

[0039] A strategy for increasing the protective response of a protein vaccine is to immunize with selective epitopes of the protein. The rationale behind this is that an epitope vaccine contains the most relevant immunogenic peptide components without the irrelevant portions. Therefore, a search is performed for the most highly antigenic portions of the newly identified proteins.

[0040] To identify T-cell epitopes from the newly discovered proteins, an initial electronic search for homologous sequences to known T-cell epitopes is performed. In addition, extensive T-cell epitope mapping is carried out. Each of the proteins, ProA, ProB, mmpA, the cytochrome oxidase homolog, and the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog, is tested for immunogenic peptide fragments. Mapping of T cell epitopes by a technique known in the art is hereby incorporated by reference (Launois et al., 1994; Lee and Horwitz, 1999). Briefly, short, overlapping peptide sequences (9-20 amino acids) are synthesized over the entire length of the protein in question. These short peptide fragments are tested using healthy dogs, which have been immunized with the protein of interest. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the dogs are tested for T cell stimulatory and IFN-γ inducing properties. Those fragments which elicit the strongest response are the best candidates for a T-cell epitope vaccine.

[0041] Once fragments are identified which will make the best epitopes, a recombinant adenylate cyclase of Bordetella bronchiseptica is constructed carrying an E. canis CD8⁺ T cell epitope. The adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) of Bordetella bronchiseptica causes disease in dogs and elicits an immune response. In addition, CyaA is well suited for intracytoplasmic targeting. Its catalytic domain (AC), corresponding to the N-terminal 400 amino acid residues of the 1,706-residue-long protein, can be delivered to many eukaryotic cells, including cells of the immune system. Also, toxin internalization is independent of receptor-mediated endocytosis, suggesting that the catalytic domain can be delivered directly to the cytosol of target cells through the cytoplasmic membrane. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (PE) is another toxin which could be used in this procedure to deliver peptides or proteins into cells, by a technique known in the art, and hereby incorporated by reference (Donnelly et al., 1993).

[0042] Foreign peptides (16 residues) have been inserted into various sites of the AC domain of CyaA without altering its stability or catalytic and calmodulin-binding properties. Thus, protein engineering allows the design and delivery of antigens that specifically stimulate CTLs. The induction of specific CD8⁺ T cells can play an important role in canine ehrlichiosis control due to the intracellular persistence of E. canis in monocytes.

[0043] The adenylate cyclase (AC) toxin (cya) gene of B. bronchiseptica has been cloned. A synthetic double-stranded oligonucleotide encoding a 9 to 20 amino acid class I T cell epitope of either ProA, ProB, mmpA, the cytochrome oxidase homolog, or the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog, is designed according to B. bronchiseptica codon usage. The complementary oligonucleotides are inserted in the hypervariable region of the cloned AC-coding sequence of the cya. This technique is known in the art in other systems, and is incorporated by reference (Sebo et al., 1995; Guermonprez et al., 1999).

[0044] Recombinant plasmids carrying the chimeric cya gene are sequenced to determine the copy number and orientation of the inserted epitope. A plasmid with a complete copy of the insert that specifies the T-cell epitope (CD8⁺) in the correct orientation is chosen from the sequenced plasmids. The ability of the new chimeric protein to enter eukaryotic cells is necessary to ensure intracellular targeting of the epitopes (Fayolle et al., 1996).

[0045] A vaccine can be created in one of two ways. Recombinant chimeric protein can be purified and used to inoculate dogs. Alternatively, an attenuated B. bronchiseptica strain that carries a T-cell epitope or E. canis gene by in-frame insertion into adenylate cyclase is created by allelic-exchange. Allelic-exchange is a technique known in the art, and is hereby incorporated by reference (Cotter and Miller, 1994).

[0046] Finally, protection against E. canis infection in dogs vaccinated with the adenylase cyclase- ProA, ProB, mmpA, cytochrome oxidase homolog, or lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog chimeric protein is determined. Wild type and recombinant ACs and CyAs are diluted to working concentrations in PBS and the chimeric protein is injected into dogs either intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Alternatively, the T-cell epitope is inserted into the adenylate cyclase gene of an attenuated B. bronchiseptica strain in frame, and the dogs are given the live bacteria.

[0047] Recombinant antigens are promising candidates for human and animal vaccination against various pathogens. However, a serious drawback is the poor immunogenicity of recombinant antigens as compared to native antigens. A major challenge in the development of a new recombinant vaccine is, therefore, to have a new adjuvant system that increases the immunogenicity of antigens. Cytokines are powerful immunoregulatory molecules. Cytokines which could be used as adjuvants in this invention include, but are not limited to, IL-12 (interleukin-12), GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor), IL-1β (interleukin-1β) and γ-IFN (gamma interferon).

[0048] These cytokines can have negative side effects including pyrogenic and/or proinflammatory symptoms in the vaccinated host. Therefore, to avoid the side effects of a whole cytokine protein, an alternate approach is to use synthetic peptide fragments with the desired immunostimulatory properties. The nonapeptide sequence VQGEESNDK of IL-1β protein is endowed with powerful immuno-enhancing properties, and is discussed here to illustrate the use of a cytokine to increase immunogenicity.

[0049] This nonapeptide is inserted into the ProA, ProB, mmpA, the cytochrome oxidase homolog, or the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog protein and its immunogenicity is compared to that of the native protein. Reportedly, the insertion of this sequence into a poorly immunogenic recombinant antigen increases the chance of a strong protective immune response after vaccination. This peptide could enhance the in vivo immune response against both T-dependent and T-independent antigens. The canine IL-1β, sequence may mimic many immunomodulatory activities of the entire molecule of IL-1β while apparently lacking many of its undesirable proinflammatory properties. This strategy is employed to increase the immunogenicity of ProA, ProB, mmpA, cytochrome oxidase, the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog and other E. canis antigens.

[0050] Plasmid pYFC199 is derived from a pBR322 plasmid by the insertion of a fragment that includes the ProA, ProB, mmpA, the cytochrome oxidase homolog, or the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase protein from E. canis. This plasmid contains a unique HindIII site where in-frame insertions encoding exogenous sequences can be inserted. Two complementary oligonucleotides, SEQ. ID. NO. 12 and SEQ. ID. NO. 13, that encode the canine IL-1β 163-171 peptide are annealed, cut with HindIII, and inserted into the pYFC199 HindIII site. The recombinant plasmid carrying the chimeric IL-1β gene is sequenced to determine the orientation of the inserted epitope.

[0051] The efficacy of the recombinant proteins as vaccines is tested in dogs. The purified protein is injected intraperitoneally into dogs. Specific pathogen free (SPF) dogs are divided into five groups: one group is given recombinant adenylate cyclase of Bordetella bronchiseptica carrying E. canis CD8⁺ T cell epitopes derived from ProA, ProB, mmpA, cytochrome oxidase homolog, or the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog, one group is given recombinant adenylate cyclase of Bordetella bronchiseptica as a control, one group is given the ProA, ProB, mmpA, cytochrome oxidase homolog, or the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog protein plus a canine IL-1β 163-171 insert, one group is given a T cell epitope derived from ProA, ProB, mmpA, cytochrome oxidase homolog, or the partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog alone, and the last group is given PBS as a negative control.

[0052] All animals are vaccinated (30-40 μg each) two times. The dogs are challenged ten days after the last vaccination with 10⁷ E. canis. At day five postchallenge, approximately 1 ml blood from each dog is collected in an EDTA tube. Whether the vaccinated groups eliminate the organisms as compared to that of the control group is tested by culture and PCR. Two primers derived from the genes cloned can be used to amplify the gene product from the tissues or blood samples from these dogs. The internal primer can also be designed for use as an oligonucleotide probe to hybridize the PCR gene product.

[0053] This invention provides a badly needed vaccine against the E. canis bacterium. The vaccine can be used to protect dogs throughout the world from canine monocytic ehrlichiosis.

[0054] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

1 13 1 5299 DNA Ehrlichia canis gene (1)..(5299) 1 gatcaaataa aatgaaacca agaataagaa acactattta tggattaata gcaataatac 60 tatctatgat atgtttagtg tacgcttctg taccactata tagtatattt tgtaaagtaa 120 caggttatgg aggtacagta agaacaagta atatatcaaa ttctaaaata ggtaacacta 180 ttattaaagt cagatttaat gcagatatac acaaacaact gccatggaaa ttctatccag 240 aagtatctca tgtatttgta aaaccaggag aacaaaaatt gattttctac cgcgcagaaa 300 atctacttga tgaggacact tcaggaatgg ctgtatataa tgttacacca cataaagtag 360 gaaaatattt taataaggta gcttgttttt gtttcaccaa acaaacatta taccctcatc 420 aaaaaactat aatgccagta tcatttttta tagatccagc catagaaaca gatcctgaaa 480 ctgctgacgt aaaactcatc actctttcat atgtattctt taagtacaaa gaataaactt 540 catataccgt acattataaa ctgattaaaa aaaataacta ttaatattga gcaaaataat 600 ttatctattc aacagattct tttcaattag agagtattca aaaacactac aactactgct 660 tgcaactttc tatcactgat atataaaagt gaaataaatt taaaaaactt tagttttaat 720 agaagaattt tattaaaagc tttgaatcaa atttaattac tgatataaaa atactattaa 780 acattaacaa tgcttaatta aagtattatt atttacctta atttcataac ctttattaac 840 aatttcataa taaaaatact ttactcttat ttttttatca cttgatatta ttaaataatc 900 atataaactc ccaaataaac tattgcaagg ttatggtaat gatgaaattt tttacttgtt 960 ttttcatagt tttcttaaca atagccaatc atgctttatc ctttaacatt aaagttacac 1020 atgaaaaatt agataatgga atggaagtat acgtgattcc aaatcatcgc gcaccagcag 1080 tcatgcacat ggtattatac aaagtcggtg gaactgatga tccagtagga tactctggat 1140 tagcacattt ttttgaacac ttaatgttta gtggaacaga aaaatttcct aatctcatca 1200 gcacacttag taatataggc ggaaatttca atgcaagcac atctcaattt tgtactatat 1260 actacgaatt aataccaaaa caatatttat ctcttgcaat ggatattgaa tcagacagaa 1320 tgcagaattt taaggttacc gacaaagcat taataagaga acaaaaggta gtcttagaag 1380 aaagaaaaat gagagttgaa agccaagcaa aaaacatact agaagaagaa atggaaaatg 1440 cattttatta caatggatat ggcagaccag tagtaggatg ggaacatgaa attagcaact 1500 acaacaaaga agttgctgaa gcctttcata agctacatta tagtcctaat aatgctatat 1560 taattgtaac tggagatgca gatccacaag aagtaatcac acttgcaaaa caatactatg 1620 ggaaaatacc atctaataat aagaaacctt caagtcaagt tagggtagaa ccaccgcata 1680 aaacaaatat gactttaaca ttaaaagaca gttcagtaga aatcccagaa ctgtttttaa 1740 tgtatcaaat accaaatggt attaccaata aaaactacat acttaacatg atgttagcag 1800 aaatactcgg tagtggtaaa ttcagcctgc tttacaatga tttggtaatt aacaatccaa 1860 tagttacatc gataaaaaca gattataatt acttaactga cagcgataat tacctttcca 1920 ttgaagctat acctaaaaac gggatctcta cagaagctgt agaacaagaa attcataaat 1980 gtataaataa ttatttagaa aatggaattt cagcagaata tttagaaagt gcaaagtata 2040 aagtaaaagc acatttaact tatgcatttg acggactaac tttcatatca tatttttatg 2100 gcatgcatct aatactagga gtaccgctat cagaaatcag taatatttac gataccatag 2160 acaaagtaag tatccaagat gttaactccg ctatggaaaa tatctttcaa aacaatataa 2220 gattaaccgg gcatttatta cctaatggag aatagttatg agaaacatat tgtgttacac 2280 attaatattg attttctttt cattcaatac atatgcaaat gatctcaata ttaacataaa 2340 agaagctaca actaaaaata aaatacacta tctatatgtt gaacatcata acctaccaac 2400 aatttcctta aaatttgcat tcaagaaagc aggatacgct tatgatgcct ttgataagca 2460 aggacttgca tactttacat caaaaatatt aaacgaagga tcaaaaaaca actatgctct 2520 cagttttgca caacaattag aaggcaaagg tatagactta aaatttgata tagacctaga 2580 caatttttat atatcattaa aaaccttatc agaaaacttt gaagaagccc tagttttact 2640 cagtgattgc atattcaaca ccgtcacaga tcaagaaata ttcaatagaa taatagcaga 2700 acagattgca catgttaaat cattatattc tgctcctgaa tttatagcta caacagaaat 2760 gaatcacgct atattcaaag ggcacccata ttctaacaaa gtttacggga cattaaatac 2820 aatcaataat atcaaccagg aagacgttgc attatatata aaaaatagtt ttgacaagga 2880 acaaatcgtt atcagcgcag caggagatgt agatccaaca cagctatcaa atttactaga 2940 taaatatatt ctttccaaat tgccatctgg taataacaaa aataccatac cagatacgac 3000 tgttaataga gaagacacat tattatatgt acagagagat gtaccacaaa gtgtcataat 3060 gtttgctaca gacacagtac catatcacag caaagactat catgcatcaa acttgttcaa 3120 tactatgcta ggcggattaa gtctcaattc aatattaatg atagaattaa gagacaagtt 3180 aggattaaca taccatagta gcagttcact atctaacatg aatcatagta atgtgctatt 3240 tggtacaata ttcactgata ataccacagt aacaaaatgt atatccgtct taacagatat 3300 tatagagcac attaaaaagt atggagttga tgaagacact tttgcaattg caaaatctag 3360 tattaccaac tcttttattt tatctatgtt aaataacaat aatgttagtg agatattgtt 3420 aagcttacaa ttacacgatc tagatccgag ttatattaat aaatacaatt cttactacaa 3480 agcaataaca atagaagaag taaataaaat tgccaagaaa attttatcta atgaattagt 3540 aataattgaa gtaggaaaaa acaataacat aaatggcaaa caaatagatg ctaaaaaaca 3600 catacttggt taagtataca ggttattgta tttactacaa gtattctatt aggttgtatt 3660 aagtaagtat aagtagcttc aatcaaataa aaaaacatta accaaagtgt tagctctacc 3720 ggagaagctt attataagct tttaacctgg gataatatga agttttgcta atgttaagca 3780 aaaaattagt aatcacaata tcaaattttc tttacaggat tatattgtga cctaccataa 3840 caacttatat ttagaaaatg acaacagata cacacatcaa taaattatca ctacaattca 3900 attaataaaa caatgagtat ttttacttaa ttatttaatt ttatttttta aaataaaatt 3960 acaattttac ttactcaata aaagcagtta tactaccaag tattggatgg tattaatcgg 4020 agcaattact acttaatagt atagctgttg acaagccgca atctgcggtt cttgacaaaa 4080 taatactaat cagttaaaat tttgaagtgt ttcaccataa tggtattatt tatgaaagct 4140 catagcacaa gtatacggaa ctttcagcct ttagaaagag ctgctataat cattgcagtg 4200 ttaggtttag ctgcattctt gtttgctgct gctgcctgca gtgatcgttt ccaaagattg 4260 caattaacaa atccatttgt aatagcagga atggttggcc ttgcagttct tttagttgct 4320 tccttaacag cagcattaag tatatgctta actaaaagta agcaagtcac acaacatgct 4380 attagacatc gctttggata cgagtcaagc acttcttctt ctgtactgct tgcaatatca 4440 ataatttctt tattacttgc tgcagcattt tgtggaaaga taatgggtaa tgacaaccca 4500 gatctattct ttagcaagat gcaagaactc tccaatccac ttgttgttgc agctattgta 4560 gccgtttctg ttttcctact ctcattcgta atgtatgctg caaagaacat tataagtcca 4620 gataaacaaa ctcacgttat tatattatct aatcaacaaa ctatagaaga agcaaaagta 4680 gatcaaggaa tgaatatttt gtcagcagta ctcccagcag ctggcattga catcatgact 4740 atagcttctt gtgacatttt agcagtgagc agccggggat cctctcagca tcaatagatt 4800 tatgttttag cctgtattca cctttttatt aggtgttgta tcgtttcttt atataagtgt 4860 gttatattat ataaaacatc taggagttac agttaatttg tttcatgtgg ttattactct 4920 ttgccattat tattactata cctaaaaata taaaagaatc cgccaggttg aatacaggcc 4980 aatgtaagtt attgatataa aaatctataa aatcatagac agcaccatat cttattctat 5040 ctatgatatt tcctattgac cccccaataa tgattacaag aggtaatcta taatgtggct 5100 gtactataaa taagtagcat aaaacacaag taatcaaaat cgagatacta caaaaaacaa 5160 cattactata ttcaaagtta tttaatatac caaaactaat tccagcattc cacactgtag 5220 taaagcgcaa gaagcttaat atctctatta cacctttatc tcctatcaaa tttactacat 5280 accatttact tacctgatc 5299 2 522 DNA Ehrlichia canis CDS (1)..(522) Protein translated from nucleotides 12 through 533 (cytochrome oxidase homolog). 2 atg aaa cca aga ata aga aac act att tat gga tta ata gca ata ata 48 Met Lys Pro Arg Ile Arg Asn Thr Ile Tyr Gly Leu Ile Ala Ile Ile 1 5 10 15 cta tct atg ata tgt tta gtg tac gct tct gta cca cta tat agt ata 96 Leu Ser Met Ile Cys Leu Val Tyr Ala Ser Val Pro Leu Tyr Ser Ile 20 25 30 ttt tgt aaa gta aca ggt tat gga ggt aca gta aga aca agt aat ata 144 Phe Cys Lys Val Thr Gly Tyr Gly Gly Thr Val Arg Thr Ser Asn Ile 35 40 45 tca aat tct aaa ata ggt aac act att att aaa gtc aga ttt aat gca 192 Ser Asn Ser Lys Ile Gly Asn Thr Ile Ile Lys Val Arg Phe Asn Ala 50 55 60 gat ata cac aaa caa ctg cca tgg aaa ttc tat cca gaa gta tct cat 240 Asp Ile His Lys Gln Leu Pro Trp Lys Phe Tyr Pro Glu Val Ser His 65 70 75 80 gta ttt gta aaa cca gga gaa caa aaa ttg att ttc tac cgc gca gaa 288 Val Phe Val Lys Pro Gly Glu Gln Lys Leu Ile Phe Tyr Arg Ala Glu 85 90 95 aat cta ctt gat gag gac act tca gga atg gct gta tat aat gtt aca 336 Asn Leu Leu Asp Glu Asp Thr Ser Gly Met Ala Val Tyr Asn Val Thr 100 105 110 cca cat aaa gta gga aaa tat ttt aat aag gta gct tgt ttt tgt ttc 384 Pro His Lys Val Gly Lys Tyr Phe Asn Lys Val Ala Cys Phe Cys Phe 115 120 125 acc aaa caa aca tta tac cct cat caa aaa act ata atg cca gta tca 432 Thr Lys Gln Thr Leu Tyr Pro His Gln Lys Thr Ile Met Pro Val Ser 130 135 140 ttt ttt ata gat cca gcc ata gaa aca gat cct gaa act gct gac gta 480 Phe Phe Ile Asp Pro Ala Ile Glu Thr Asp Pro Glu Thr Ala Asp Val 145 150 155 160 aaa ctc atc act ctt tca tat gta ttc ttt aag tac aaa gaa 522 Lys Leu Ile Thr Leu Ser Tyr Val Phe Phe Lys Tyr Lys Glu 165 170 3 174 PRT Ehrlichia canis 3 Met Lys Pro Arg Ile Arg Asn Thr Ile Tyr Gly Leu Ile Ala Ile Ile 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Met Ile Cys Leu Val Tyr Ala Ser Val Pro Leu Tyr Ser Ile 20 25 30 Phe Cys Lys Val Thr Gly Tyr Gly Gly Thr Val Arg Thr Ser Asn Ile 35 40 45 Ser Asn Ser Lys Ile Gly Asn Thr Ile Ile Lys Val Arg Phe Asn Ala 50 55 60 Asp Ile His Lys Gln Leu Pro Trp Lys Phe Tyr Pro Glu Val Ser His 65 70 75 80 Val Phe Val Lys Pro Gly Glu Gln Lys Leu Ile Phe Tyr Arg Ala Glu 85 90 95 Asn Leu Leu Asp Glu Asp Thr Ser Gly Met Ala Val Tyr Asn Val Thr 100 105 110 Pro His Lys Val Gly Lys Tyr Phe Asn Lys Val Ala Cys Phe Cys Phe 115 120 125 Thr Lys Gln Thr Leu Tyr Pro His Gln Lys Thr Ile Met Pro Val Ser 130 135 140 Phe Phe Ile Asp Pro Ala Ile Glu Thr Asp Pro Glu Thr Ala Asp Val 145 150 155 160 Lys Leu Ile Thr Leu Ser Tyr Val Phe Phe Lys Tyr Lys Glu 165 170 4 1314 DNA Ehrlichia canis CDS (1)..(1314) Protein translated from nucleotides 939 through 2,252 (ProA). 4 atg atg aaa ttt ttt act tgt ttt ttc ata gtt ttc tta aca ata gcc 48 Met Met Lys Phe Phe Thr Cys Phe Phe Ile Val Phe Leu Thr Ile Ala 1 5 10 15 aat cat gct tta tcc ttt aac att aaa gtt aca cat gaa aaa tta gat 96 Asn His Ala Leu Ser Phe Asn Ile Lys Val Thr His Glu Lys Leu Asp 20 25 30 aat gga atg gaa gta tac gtg att cca aat cat cgc gca cca gca gtc 144 Asn Gly Met Glu Val Tyr Val Ile Pro Asn His Arg Ala Pro Ala Val 35 40 45 atg cac atg gta tta tac aaa gtc ggt gga act gat gat cca gta gga 192 Met His Met Val Leu Tyr Lys Val Gly Gly Thr Asp Asp Pro Val Gly 50 55 60 tac tct gga tta gca cat ttt ttt gaa cac tta atg ttt agt gga aca 240 Tyr Ser Gly Leu Ala His Phe Phe Glu His Leu Met Phe Ser Gly Thr 65 70 75 80 gaa aaa ttt cct aat ctc atc agc aca ctt agt aat ata ggc gga aat 288 Glu Lys Phe Pro Asn Leu Ile Ser Thr Leu Ser Asn Ile Gly Gly Asn 85 90 95 ttc aat gca agc aca tct caa ttt tgt act ata tac tac gaa tta ata 336 Phe Asn Ala Ser Thr Ser Gln Phe Cys Thr Ile Tyr Tyr Glu Leu Ile 100 105 110 cca aaa caa tat tta tct ctt gca atg gat att gaa tca gac aga atg 384 Pro Lys Gln Tyr Leu Ser Leu Ala Met Asp Ile Glu Ser Asp Arg Met 115 120 125 cag aat ttt aag gtt acc gac aaa gca tta ata aga gaa caa aag gta 432 Gln Asn Phe Lys Val Thr Asp Lys Ala Leu Ile Arg Glu Gln Lys Val 130 135 140 gtc tta gaa gaa aga aaa atg aga gtt gaa agc caa gca aaa aac ata 480 Val Leu Glu Glu Arg Lys Met Arg Val Glu Ser Gln Ala Lys Asn Ile 145 150 155 160 cta gaa gaa gaa atg gaa aat gca ttt tat tac aat gga tat ggc aga 528 Leu Glu Glu Glu Met Glu Asn Ala Phe Tyr Tyr Asn Gly Tyr Gly Arg 165 170 175 cca gta gta gga tgg gaa cat gaa att agc aac tac aac aaa gaa gtt 576 Pro Val Val Gly Trp Glu His Glu Ile Ser Asn Tyr Asn Lys Glu Val 180 185 190 gct gaa gcc ttt cat aag cta cat tat agt cct aat aat gct ata tta 624 Ala Glu Ala Phe His Lys Leu His Tyr Ser Pro Asn Asn Ala Ile Leu 195 200 205 att gta act gga gat gca gat cca caa gaa gta atc aca ctt gca aaa 672 Ile Val Thr Gly Asp Ala Asp Pro Gln Glu Val Ile Thr Leu Ala Lys 210 215 220 caa tac tat ggg aaa ata cca tct aat aat aag aaa cct tca agt caa 720 Gln Tyr Tyr Gly Lys Ile Pro Ser Asn Asn Lys Lys Pro Ser Ser Gln 225 230 235 240 gtt agg gta gaa cca ccg cat aaa aca aat atg act tta aca tta aaa 768 Val Arg Val Glu Pro Pro His Lys Thr Asn Met Thr Leu Thr Leu Lys 245 250 255 gac agt tca gta gaa atc cca gaa ctg ttt tta atg tat caa ata cca 816 Asp Ser Ser Val Glu Ile Pro Glu Leu Phe Leu Met Tyr Gln Ile Pro 260 265 270 aat ggt att acc aat aaa aac tac ata ctt aac atg atg tta gca gaa 864 Asn Gly Ile Thr Asn Lys Asn Tyr Ile Leu Asn Met Met Leu Ala Glu 275 280 285 ata ctc ggt agt ggt aaa ttc agc ctg ctt tac aat gat ttg gta att 912 Ile Leu Gly Ser Gly Lys Phe Ser Leu Leu Tyr Asn Asp Leu Val Ile 290 295 300 aac aat cca ata gtt aca tcg ata aaa aca gat tat aat tac tta act 960 Asn Asn Pro Ile Val Thr Ser Ile Lys Thr Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Leu Thr 305 310 315 320 gac agc gat aat tac ctt tcc att gaa gct ata cct aaa aac ggg atc 1008 Asp Ser Asp Asn Tyr Leu Ser Ile Glu Ala Ile Pro Lys Asn Gly Ile 325 330 335 tct aca gaa gct gta gaa caa gaa att cat aaa tgt ata aat aat tat 1056 Ser Thr Glu Ala Val Glu Gln Glu Ile His Lys Cys Ile Asn Asn Tyr 340 345 350 tta gaa aat gga att tca gca gaa tat tta gaa agt gca aag tat aaa 1104 Leu Glu Asn Gly Ile Ser Ala Glu Tyr Leu Glu Ser Ala Lys Tyr Lys 355 360 365 gta aaa gca cat tta act tat gca ttt gac gga cta act ttc ata tca 1152 Val Lys Ala His Leu Thr Tyr Ala Phe Asp Gly Leu Thr Phe Ile Ser 370 375 380 tat ttt tat ggc atg cat cta ata cta gga gta ccg cta tca gaa atc 1200 Tyr Phe Tyr Gly Met His Leu Ile Leu Gly Val Pro Leu Ser Glu Ile 385 390 395 400 agt aat att tac gat acc ata gac aaa gta agt atc caa gat gtt aac 1248 Ser Asn Ile Tyr Asp Thr Ile Asp Lys Val Ser Ile Gln Asp Val Asn 405 410 415 tcc gct atg gaa aat atc ttt caa aac aat ata aga tta acc ggg cat 1296 Ser Ala Met Glu Asn Ile Phe Gln Asn Asn Ile Arg Leu Thr Gly His 420 425 430 tta tta cct aat gga gaa 1314 Leu Leu Pro Asn Gly Glu 435 5 438 PRT Ehrlichia canis 5 Met Met Lys Phe Phe Thr Cys Phe Phe Ile Val Phe Leu Thr Ile Ala 1 5 10 15 Asn His Ala Leu Ser Phe Asn Ile Lys Val Thr His Glu Lys Leu Asp 20 25 30 Asn Gly Met Glu Val Tyr Val Ile Pro Asn His Arg Ala Pro Ala Val 35 40 45 Met His Met Val Leu Tyr Lys Val Gly Gly Thr Asp Asp Pro Val Gly 50 55 60 Tyr Ser Gly Leu Ala His Phe Phe Glu His Leu Met Phe Ser Gly Thr 65 70 75 80 Glu Lys Phe Pro Asn Leu Ile Ser Thr Leu Ser Asn Ile Gly Gly Asn 85 90 95 Phe Asn Ala Ser Thr Ser Gln Phe Cys Thr Ile Tyr Tyr Glu Leu Ile 100 105 110 Pro Lys Gln Tyr Leu Ser Leu Ala Met Asp Ile Glu Ser Asp Arg Met 115 120 125 Gln Asn Phe Lys Val Thr Asp Lys Ala Leu Ile Arg Glu Gln Lys Val 130 135 140 Val Leu Glu Glu Arg Lys Met Arg Val Glu Ser Gln Ala Lys Asn Ile 145 150 155 160 Leu Glu Glu Glu Met Glu Asn Ala Phe Tyr Tyr Asn Gly Tyr Gly Arg 165 170 175 Pro Val Val Gly Trp Glu His Glu Ile Ser Asn Tyr Asn Lys Glu Val 180 185 190 Ala Glu Ala Phe His Lys Leu His Tyr Ser Pro Asn Asn Ala Ile Leu 195 200 205 Ile Val Thr Gly Asp Ala Asp Pro Gln Glu Val Ile Thr Leu Ala Lys 210 215 220 Gln Tyr Tyr Gly Lys Ile Pro Ser Asn Asn Lys Lys Pro Ser Ser Gln 225 230 235 240 Val Arg Val Glu Pro Pro His Lys Thr Asn Met Thr Leu Thr Leu Lys 245 250 255 Asp Ser Ser Val Glu Ile Pro Glu Leu Phe Leu Met Tyr Gln Ile Pro 260 265 270 Asn Gly Ile Thr Asn Lys Asn Tyr Ile Leu Asn Met Met Leu Ala Glu 275 280 285 Ile Leu Gly Ser Gly Lys Phe Ser Leu Leu Tyr Asn Asp Leu Val Ile 290 295 300 Asn Asn Pro Ile Val Thr Ser Ile Lys Thr Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Leu Thr 305 310 315 320 Asp Ser Asp Asn Tyr Leu Ser Ile Glu Ala Ile Pro Lys Asn Gly Ile 325 330 335 Ser Thr Glu Ala Val Glu Gln Glu Ile His Lys Cys Ile Asn Asn Tyr 340 345 350 Leu Glu Asn Gly Ile Ser Ala Glu Tyr Leu Glu Ser Ala Lys Tyr Lys 355 360 365 Val Lys Ala His Leu Thr Tyr Ala Phe Asp Gly Leu Thr Phe Ile Ser 370 375 380 Tyr Phe Tyr Gly Met His Leu Ile Leu Gly Val Pro Leu Ser Glu Ile 385 390 395 400 Ser Asn Ile Tyr Asp Thr Ile Asp Lys Val Ser Ile Gln Asp Val Asn 405 410 415 Ser Ala Met Glu Asn Ile Phe Gln Asn Asn Ile Arg Leu Thr Gly His 420 425 430 Leu Leu Pro Asn Gly Glu 435 6 1353 DNA Ehrlichia canis CDS (1)..(1353) Protein translated from nucleotides 2,258 through 3,610 (ProB). 6 atg aga aac ata ttg tgt tac aca tta ata ttg att ttc ttt tca ttc 48 Met Arg Asn Ile Leu Cys Tyr Thr Leu Ile Leu Ile Phe Phe Ser Phe 1 5 10 15 aat aca tat gca aat gat ctc aat att aac ata aaa gaa gct aca act 96 Asn Thr Tyr Ala Asn Asp Leu Asn Ile Asn Ile Lys Glu Ala Thr Thr 20 25 30 aaa aat aaa ata cac tat cta tat gtt gaa cat cat aac cta cca aca 144 Lys Asn Lys Ile His Tyr Leu Tyr Val Glu His His Asn Leu Pro Thr 35 40 45 att tcc tta aaa ttt gca ttc aag aaa gca gga tac gct tat gat gcc 192 Ile Ser Leu Lys Phe Ala Phe Lys Lys Ala Gly Tyr Ala Tyr Asp Ala 50 55 60 ttt gat aag caa gga ctt gca tac ttt aca tca aaa ata tta aac gaa 240 Phe Asp Lys Gln Gly Leu Ala Tyr Phe Thr Ser Lys Ile Leu Asn Glu 65 70 75 80 gga tca aaa aac aac tat gct ctc agt ttt gca caa caa tta gaa ggc 288 Gly Ser Lys Asn Asn Tyr Ala Leu Ser Phe Ala Gln Gln Leu Glu Gly 85 90 95 aaa ggt ata gac tta aaa ttt gat ata gac cta gac aat ttt tat ata 336 Lys Gly Ile Asp Leu Lys Phe Asp Ile Asp Leu Asp Asn Phe Tyr Ile 100 105 110 tca tta aaa acc tta tca gaa aac ttt gaa gaa gcc cta gtt tta ctc 384 Ser Leu Lys Thr Leu Ser Glu Asn Phe Glu Glu Ala Leu Val Leu Leu 115 120 125 agt gat tgc ata ttc aac acc gtc aca gat caa gaa ata ttc aat aga 432 Ser Asp Cys Ile Phe Asn Thr Val Thr Asp Gln Glu Ile Phe Asn Arg 130 135 140 ata ata gca gaa cag att gca cat gtt aaa tca tta tat tct gct cct 480 Ile Ile Ala Glu Gln Ile Ala His Val Lys Ser Leu Tyr Ser Ala Pro 145 150 155 160 gaa ttt ata gct aca aca gaa atg aat cac gct ata ttc aaa ggg cac 528 Glu Phe Ile Ala Thr Thr Glu Met Asn His Ala Ile Phe Lys Gly His 165 170 175 cca tat tct aac aaa gtt tac ggg aca tta aat aca atc aat aat atc 576 Pro Tyr Ser Asn Lys Val Tyr Gly Thr Leu Asn Thr Ile Asn Asn Ile 180 185 190 aac cag gaa gac gtt gca tta tat ata aaa aat agt ttt gac aag gaa 624 Asn Gln Glu Asp Val Ala Leu Tyr Ile Lys Asn Ser Phe Asp Lys Glu 195 200 205 caa atc gtt atc agc gca gca gga gat gta gat cca aca cag cta tca 672 Gln Ile Val Ile Ser Ala Ala Gly Asp Val Asp Pro Thr Gln Leu Ser 210 215 220 aat tta cta gat aaa tat att ctt tcc aaa ttg cca tct ggt aat aac 720 Asn Leu Leu Asp Lys Tyr Ile Leu Ser Lys Leu Pro Ser Gly Asn Asn 225 230 235 240 aaa aat acc ata cca gat acg act gtt aat aga gaa gac aca tta tta 768 Lys Asn Thr Ile Pro Asp Thr Thr Val Asn Arg Glu Asp Thr Leu Leu 245 250 255 tat gta cag aga gat gta cca caa agt gtc ata atg ttt gct aca gac 816 Tyr Val Gln Arg Asp Val Pro Gln Ser Val Ile Met Phe Ala Thr Asp 260 265 270 aca gta cca tat cac agc aaa gac tat cat gca tca aac ttg ttc aat 864 Thr Val Pro Tyr His Ser Lys Asp Tyr His Ala Ser Asn Leu Phe Asn 275 280 285 act atg cta ggc gga tta agt ctc aat tca ata tta atg ata gaa tta 912 Thr Met Leu Gly Gly Leu Ser Leu Asn Ser Ile Leu Met Ile Glu Leu 290 295 300 aga gac aag tta gga tta aca tac cat agt agc agt tca cta tct aac 960 Arg Asp Lys Leu Gly Leu Thr Tyr His Ser Ser Ser Ser Leu Ser Asn 305 310 315 320 atg aat cat agt aat gtg cta ttt ggt aca ata ttc act gat aat acc 1008 Met Asn His Ser Asn Val Leu Phe Gly Thr Ile Phe Thr Asp Asn Thr 325 330 335 aca gta aca aaa tgt ata tcc gtc tta aca gat att ata gag cac att 1056 Thr Val Thr Lys Cys Ile Ser Val Leu Thr Asp Ile Ile Glu His Ile 340 345 350 aaa aag tat gga gtt gat gaa gac act ttt gca att gca aaa tct agt 1104 Lys Lys Tyr Gly Val Asp Glu Asp Thr Phe Ala Ile Ala Lys Ser Ser 355 360 365 att acc aac tct ttt att tta tct atg tta aat aac aat aat gtt agt 1152 Ile Thr Asn Ser Phe Ile Leu Ser Met Leu Asn Asn Asn Asn Val Ser 370 375 380 gag ata ttg tta agc tta caa tta cac gat cta gat ccg agt tat att 1200 Glu Ile Leu Leu Ser Leu Gln Leu His Asp Leu Asp Pro Ser Tyr Ile 385 390 395 400 aat aaa tac aat tct tac tac aaa gca ata aca ata gaa gaa gta aat 1248 Asn Lys Tyr Asn Ser Tyr Tyr Lys Ala Ile Thr Ile Glu Glu Val Asn 405 410 415 aaa att gcc aag aaa att tta tct aat gaa tta gta ata att gaa gta 1296 Lys Ile Ala Lys Lys Ile Leu Ser Asn Glu Leu Val Ile Ile Glu Val 420 425 430 gga aaa aac aat aac ata aat ggc aaa caa ata gat gct aaa aaa cac 1344 Gly Lys Asn Asn Asn Ile Asn Gly Lys Gln Ile Asp Ala Lys Lys His 435 440 445 ata ctt ggt 1353 Ile Leu Gly 450 7 451 PRT Ehrlichia canis 7 Met Arg Asn Ile Leu Cys Tyr Thr Leu Ile Leu Ile Phe Phe Ser Phe 1 5 10 15 Asn Thr Tyr Ala Asn Asp Leu Asn Ile Asn Ile Lys Glu Ala Thr Thr 20 25 30 Lys Asn Lys Ile His Tyr Leu Tyr Val Glu His His Asn Leu Pro Thr 35 40 45 Ile Ser Leu Lys Phe Ala Phe Lys Lys Ala Gly Tyr Ala Tyr Asp Ala 50 55 60 Phe Asp Lys Gln Gly Leu Ala Tyr Phe Thr Ser Lys Ile Leu Asn Glu 65 70 75 80 Gly Ser Lys Asn Asn Tyr Ala Leu Ser Phe Ala Gln Gln Leu Glu Gly 85 90 95 Lys Gly Ile Asp Leu Lys Phe Asp Ile Asp Leu Asp Asn Phe Tyr Ile 100 105 110 Ser Leu Lys Thr Leu Ser Glu Asn Phe Glu Glu Ala Leu Val Leu Leu 115 120 125 Ser Asp Cys Ile Phe Asn Thr Val Thr Asp Gln Glu Ile Phe Asn Arg 130 135 140 Ile Ile Ala Glu Gln Ile Ala His Val Lys Ser Leu Tyr Ser Ala Pro 145 150 155 160 Glu Phe Ile Ala Thr Thr Glu Met Asn His Ala Ile Phe Lys Gly His 165 170 175 Pro Tyr Ser Asn Lys Val Tyr Gly Thr Leu Asn Thr Ile Asn Asn Ile 180 185 190 Asn Gln Glu Asp Val Ala Leu Tyr Ile Lys Asn Ser Phe Asp Lys Glu 195 200 205 Gln Ile Val Ile Ser Ala Ala Gly Asp Val Asp Pro Thr Gln Leu Ser 210 215 220 Asn Leu Leu Asp Lys Tyr Ile Leu Ser Lys Leu Pro Ser Gly Asn Asn 225 230 235 240 Lys Asn Thr Ile Pro Asp Thr Thr Val Asn Arg Glu Asp Thr Leu Leu 245 250 255 Tyr Val Gln Arg Asp Val Pro Gln Ser Val Ile Met Phe Ala Thr Asp 260 265 270 Thr Val Pro Tyr His Ser Lys Asp Tyr His Ala Ser Asn Leu Phe Asn 275 280 285 Thr Met Leu Gly Gly Leu Ser Leu Asn Ser Ile Leu Met Ile Glu Leu 290 295 300 Arg Asp Lys Leu Gly Leu Thr Tyr His Ser Ser Ser Ser Leu Ser Asn 305 310 315 320 Met Asn His Ser Asn Val Leu Phe Gly Thr Ile Phe Thr Asp Asn Thr 325 330 335 Thr Val Thr Lys Cys Ile Ser Val Leu Thr Asp Ile Ile Glu His Ile 340 345 350 Lys Lys Tyr Gly Val Asp Glu Asp Thr Phe Ala Ile Ala Lys Ser Ser 355 360 365 Ile Thr Asn Ser Phe Ile Leu Ser Met Leu Asn Asn Asn Asn Val Ser 370 375 380 Glu Ile Leu Leu Ser Leu Gln Leu His Asp Leu Asp Pro Ser Tyr Ile 385 390 395 400 Asn Lys Tyr Asn Ser Tyr Tyr Lys Ala Ile Thr Ile Glu Glu Val Asn 405 410 415 Lys Ile Ala Lys Lys Ile Leu Ser Asn Glu Leu Val Ile Ile Glu Val 420 425 430 Gly Lys Asn Asn Asn Ile Asn Gly Lys Gln Ile Asp Ala Lys Lys His 435 440 445 Ile Leu Gly 450 8 663 DNA Ehrlichia canis CDS (1)..(663) Protein translated from nucleotides 4,132 through 4,794 (mmpA). 8 atg aaa gct cat agc aca agt ata cgg aac ttt cag cct tta gaa aga 48 Met Lys Ala His Ser Thr Ser Ile Arg Asn Phe Gln Pro Leu Glu Arg 1 5 10 15 gct gct ata atc att gca gtg tta ggt tta gct gca ttc ttg ttt gct 96 Ala Ala Ile Ile Ile Ala Val Leu Gly Leu Ala Ala Phe Leu Phe Ala 20 25 30 gct gct gcc tgc agt gat cgt ttc caa aga ttg caa tta aca aat cca 144 Ala Ala Ala Cys Ser Asp Arg Phe Gln Arg Leu Gln Leu Thr Asn Pro 35 40 45 ttt gta ata gca gga atg gtt ggc ctt gca gtt ctt tta gtt gct tcc 192 Phe Val Ile Ala Gly Met Val Gly Leu Ala Val Leu Leu Val Ala Ser 50 55 60 tta aca gca gca tta agt ata tgc tta act aaa agt aag caa gtc aca 240 Leu Thr Ala Ala Leu Ser Ile Cys Leu Thr Lys Ser Lys Gln Val Thr 65 70 75 80 caa cat gct att aga cat cgc ttt gga tac gag tca agc act tct tct 288 Gln His Ala Ile Arg His Arg Phe Gly Tyr Glu Ser Ser Thr Ser Ser 85 90 95 tct gta ctg ctt gca ata tca ata att tct tta tta ctt gct gca gca 336 Ser Val Leu Leu Ala Ile Ser Ile Ile Ser Leu Leu Leu Ala Ala Ala 100 105 110 ttt tgt gga aag ata atg ggt aat gac aac cca gat cta ttc ttt agc 384 Phe Cys Gly Lys Ile Met Gly Asn Asp Asn Pro Asp Leu Phe Phe Ser 115 120 125 aag atg caa gaa ctc tcc aat cca ctt gtt gtt gca gct att gta gcc 432 Lys Met Gln Glu Leu Ser Asn Pro Leu Val Val Ala Ala Ile Val Ala 130 135 140 gtt tct gtt ttc cta ctc tca ttc gta atg tat gct gca aag aac att 480 Val Ser Val Phe Leu Leu Ser Phe Val Met Tyr Ala Ala Lys Asn Ile 145 150 155 160 ata agt cca gat aaa caa act cac gtt att ata tta tct aat caa caa 528 Ile Ser Pro Asp Lys Gln Thr His Val Ile Ile Leu Ser Asn Gln Gln 165 170 175 act ata gaa gaa gca aaa gta gat caa gga atg aat att ttg tca gca 576 Thr Ile Glu Glu Ala Lys Val Asp Gln Gly Met Asn Ile Leu Ser Ala 180 185 190 gta ctc cca gca gct ggc att gac atc atg act ata gct tct tgt gac 624 Val Leu Pro Ala Ala Gly Ile Asp Ile Met Thr Ile Ala Ser Cys Asp 195 200 205 att tta gca gtg agc agc cgg gga tcc tct cag cat caa 663 Ile Leu Ala Val Ser Ser Arg Gly Ser Ser Gln His Gln 210 215 220 9 221 PRT Ehrlichia canis 9 Met Lys Ala His Ser Thr Ser Ile Arg Asn Phe Gln Pro Leu Glu Arg 1 5 10 15 Ala Ala Ile Ile Ile Ala Val Leu Gly Leu Ala Ala Phe Leu Phe Ala 20 25 30 Ala Ala Ala Cys Ser Asp Arg Phe Gln Arg Leu Gln Leu Thr Asn Pro 35 40 45 Phe Val Ile Ala Gly Met Val Gly Leu Ala Val Leu Leu Val Ala Ser 50 55 60 Leu Thr Ala Ala Leu Ser Ile Cys Leu Thr Lys Ser Lys Gln Val Thr 65 70 75 80 Gln His Ala Ile Arg His Arg Phe Gly Tyr Glu Ser Ser Thr Ser Ser 85 90 95 Ser Val Leu Leu Ala Ile Ser Ile Ile Ser Leu Leu Leu Ala Ala Ala 100 105 110 Phe Cys Gly Lys Ile Met Gly Asn Asp Asn Pro Asp Leu Phe Phe Ser 115 120 125 Lys Met Gln Glu Leu Ser Asn Pro Leu Val Val Ala Ala Ile Val Ala 130 135 140 Val Ser Val Phe Leu Leu Ser Phe Val Met Tyr Ala Ala Lys Asn Ile 145 150 155 160 Ile Ser Pro Asp Lys Gln Thr His Val Ile Ile Leu Ser Asn Gln Gln 165 170 175 Thr Ile Glu Glu Ala Lys Val Asp Gln Gly Met Asn Ile Leu Ser Ala 180 185 190 Val Leu Pro Ala Ala Gly Ile Asp Ile Met Thr Ile Ala Ser Cys Asp 195 200 205 Ile Leu Ala Val Ser Ser Arg Gly Ser Ser Gln His Gln 210 215 220 10 417 DNA Ehrlichia canis CDS (1)..(417) Protein translated from complementary sequence derived from nucle otides 4,883 through 5,299 (partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog). 10 gat cag gta agt aaa tgg tat gta gta aat ttg ata gga gat aaa ggt 48 Asp Gln Val Ser Lys Trp Tyr Val Val Asn Leu Ile Gly Asp Lys Gly 1 5 10 15 gta ata gag ata tta agc ttc ttg cgc ttt act aca gtg tgg aat cct 96 Val Ile Glu Ile Leu Ser Phe Leu Arg Phe Thr Thr Val Trp Asn Pro 20 25 30 gga att agt ttt ggt ata tta aat aac ttt gaa tat agt aat gtt gtt 144 Gly Ile Ser Phe Gly Ile Leu Asn Asn Phe Glu Tyr Ser Asn Val Val 35 40 45 ttt tgt agt atc tcg att ttg att act tgt gtt tta tgc tac tta ttt 192 Phe Cys Ser Ile Ser Ile Leu Ile Thr Cys Val Leu Cys Tyr Leu Phe 50 55 60 ata gta cag cca cat tat aga tta cct ctt gta atc att att ggg ggg 240 Ile Val Gln Pro His Tyr Arg Leu Pro Leu Val Ile Ile Ile Gly Gly 65 70 75 80 tca ata gga aat atc ata gat aga ata aga tat ggt gct gtc tat gat 288 Ser Ile Gly Asn Ile Ile Asp Arg Ile Arg Tyr Gly Ala Val Tyr Asp 85 90 95 ttt ata gat ttt tat atc aat aac tta cat tgg cct gta ttc aac ctg 336 Phe Ile Asp Phe Tyr Ile Asn Asn Leu His Trp Pro Val Phe Asn Leu 100 105 110 gcg gat tct ttt ata ttt tta ggt ata gta ata ata atg gca aag agt 384 Ala Asp Ser Phe Ile Phe Leu Gly Ile Val Ile Ile Met Ala Lys Ser 115 120 125 aat aac cac atg aaa caa att aac tgt aac tcc 417 Asn Asn His Met Lys Gln Ile Asn Cys Asn Ser 130 135 11 139 PRT Ehrlichia canis 11 Asp Gln Val Ser Lys Trp Tyr Val Val Asn Leu Ile Gly Asp Lys Gly 1 5 10 15 Val Ile Glu Ile Leu Ser Phe Leu Arg Phe Thr Thr Val Trp Asn Pro 20 25 30 Gly Ile Ser Phe Gly Ile Leu Asn Asn Phe Glu Tyr Ser Asn Val Val 35 40 45 Phe Cys Ser Ile Ser Ile Leu Ile Thr Cys Val Leu Cys Tyr Leu Phe 50 55 60 Ile Val Gln Pro His Tyr Arg Leu Pro Leu Val Ile Ile Ile Gly Gly 65 70 75 80 Ser Ile Gly Asn Ile Ile Asp Arg Ile Arg Tyr Gly Ala Val Tyr Asp 85 90 95 Phe Ile Asp Phe Tyr Ile Asn Asn Leu His Trp Pro Val Phe Asn Leu 100 105 110 Ala Asp Ser Phe Ile Phe Leu Gly Ile Val Ile Ile Met Ala Lys Ser 115 120 125 Asn Asn His Met Lys Gln Ile Asn Cys Asn Ser 130 135 12 41 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artifical Sequence oligonucleotide 12 aggcttgttc agggtgaaga agaatccaac gacaaaagct t 41 13 41 DNA Artificial Sequence Description of Artificial Sequence oligonucleotide 13 aagcttttgt cgttggattc ttcttcaccc tgaacttgcc a 41 

What is claimed is:
 1. A recombinant DNA comprising said DNA selected from the group consisting of: a) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; b) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; c) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; d) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; e) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and f) any portion of said DNA above that encodes a protein that elicits an immune response against E. canis.
 2. The recombinant DNA of claim 1 wherein said DNA encodes at least one immunogenic epitope.
 3. A recombinant protein comprising said protein selected from the group consisting of: a) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; b) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; c) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; d) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; e) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and f) any portion of any of the above proteins that elicits an immune response against E. canis.
 4. The recombinant protein of claim 3 wherein said protein includes at least one immunogenic epitope.
 5. A vaccine wherein said vaccine protects dogs against E. canis infection.
 6. A vaccine comprising: a) a vector capable of expressing a recombinant DNA inserted into said vector such that a recombinant protein is expressed when said vector is provided in an appropriate host; and b) the recombinant DNA inserted into said vector wherein said DNA is selected from the group consisting of: i) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and vi) any portion of said DNA above that encodes a protein fragment that is greater than 25 amino acids.
 7. The vaccine of claim 6, wherein said DNA further comprises DNA that encodes CpG motifs.
 8. The vaccine of claim 6 wherein said DNA further comprises a promoter selected from the group consisting of: a) a cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter; b) a human tissue plasminogen activator gene (t-PA); and c) promoter/enhancer region of a human elongation factor alpha (EF-1 α).
 9. The vaccine of claim 6, wherein said vector is selected from the group consisting of: a) pcDNA3; b) pC1; c) VR1012; and d) VR1020.
 10. The vaccine of claim 6 wherein said vaccine is administered into said host by a method selected from the group consisting of: a) intramuscular injection; b) intravenous injection; and c) gene gun injection.
 11. The vaccine of claim 10, wherein said host is a dog.
 12. The vaccine of claim 5 comprising: a) a recombinant protein that is selected from the group consisting of: i) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and vi) any portion of any of the above proteins that elicits an immune response against E. canis.
 13. The vaccine of claim 12, wherein said vaccine further comprises adjuvants selected from the group consisting of: a) aluminum hydroxide; b) QuilA; and c) Montamide.
 14. The vaccine of claim 12 further comprising a cytokine operatively associated with said recombinant protein.
 15. The vaccine of claim 14 wherein said cytokine is selected from the group consisting of: a) interleukin-1β (IL-1β); b) granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF); c) gamma interferon (γ-IFN); d) amino acids VQGEESNDK from the IL-1β protein; and e) any portion of any of the cytokines above that elicits an improved immunogenic response against E. canis.
 16. The vaccine of claim 12 wherein said vaccine is administered into a host by a method selected from the group consisting of: a) intramuscular injection; and b) subcutaneous injection.
 17. The vaccine of claim 16 wherein said host is a dog.
 18. The vaccine of claim 5 comprising a recombinant protein that includes a T cell epitope wherein said T cell epitope comprises an amino acid peptide fragment of a protein selected from the group consisting of: a) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; b) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; c) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; d) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; e) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and f) any portion of any of the above proteins that elicits an immune response against E. canis.
 19. The vaccine of claim 18 wherein said amino acid peptide fragment comprises nine to twenty amino acids.
 20. The vaccine of claim 18 further comprising a recombinant DNA encoding a protein which is capable of being internalized into eukaryotic cells, including cells of the immune system.
 21. The vaccine of claim 20 wherein said protein capable of being internalized into eukaryotic cells comprises a toxin selected from the group consisting of: a) a recombinant adenylate cyclase of Bordetella bronchiseptica; and b) a recombinant exotoxin A (PE) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
 22. The vaccine of claim 18 wherein said vaccine is administered into a host by a method selected from the group consisting of: a) intramuscular injection; and b) subcutaneous injection.
 23. The vaccine of claim 22 wherein said host is a dog.
 24. A method of identifying a T cell epitope against E. canis comprising: a) synthesizing overlapping peptide fragments over an entire length of a protein wherein said protein is selected from the group consisting of: i) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and vi) any portion of any of the proteins above that elicits an immune response against E. canis; b) testing said peptide fragment to determine if said peptide fragment elicits an immune response in a host animal; and c) identifying said peptide fragment as said T cell epitope of E. canis if said fragment elicits an immune response.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein said peptide fragment comprises nine to twenty amino acids.
 26. A method of creating a vaccine against Ehrlichia canis comprising: a) selecting a vector capable of expressing a recombinant DNA inserted into said vector; and b) inserting a recombinant DNA into said vector such that a recombinant protein is expressed when said vector is provided in an appropriate host wherein said DNA is selected from the group consisting of: i) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and vi) any portion of said DNA above that encodes a protein fragment that is greater than 25 amino acids.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said DNA further comprises DNA that encodes CpG motifs.
 28. The method of claim 26 wherein said DNA further comprises a promoter selected from the group consisting of: a) a cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter; b) a human tissue plasminogen activator gene (t-PA); and c) a promoter/enhancer region of a human elongation factor alpha (EF-1 α).
 29. The method of claim 26, wherein said vector is selected from the group consisting of: a) pcDNA3; b) pC1; c) VR1012; and d) VR1020.
 30. The method of claim 26 wherein said vaccine is injected into said host in a manner selected from the group consisting of: a) intramuscular injection; b) intravenous injection; and c) gene gun injection.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein said host is a dog.
 32. A method of creating a vaccine against E. canis comprising: a) selecting a vector capable of expressing a recombinant protein inserted into said vector; b) insertion of a recombinant DNA into said vector such that said recombinant protein is expressed when said vector is transformed into a bacterial strain wherein said DNA is selected from the group consisting of: i) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and vi) any portion of said DNA above that encodes a protein that elicits an immune response against E. canis; and c) harvesting said recombinant protein from said bacterial strain.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein said vaccine further comprises adjuvants selected from the group consisting of: a) aluminum hydroxide; b) QuilA; and c) Montamide.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein said vaccine further comprises a promoter selected from the group consisting of: a) tac; b) T5; and c) T7.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein said bacterial strain is E. coli.
 36. The method of claim 32, wherein said vector is selected from the group consisting of: a) pREST; b) pET; and c) pKK233-3.
 37. The method of claim 32 wherein said vaccine further comprises a cytokine operatively associated with said vaccine.
 38. The method of claim 37 wherein said cytokine is selected from the group consisting of: a) interleukin-1β (IL-1β); b) granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF); c) gamma interferon (γ-IFN); d) amino acids VQGEESNDK from the IL-1β protein; and e) any portion of any of the cytokines above that elicits an improved immunogenic response against E. canis.
 39. The method of claim 32 wherein said vaccine is injected into said host in a manner selected from the group consisting of: a) intramuscular injection; and b) subcutaneous injection.
 40. The method of claim 39 wherein said host is a dog.
 41. A method of creating a T cell epitope vaccine comprising: a) selecting a recombinant protein that includes a T cell epitope wherein said T cell epitope comprises an amino acid peptide fragment of a protein selected from the group consisting of: i) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and vi) any portion of any of the above proteins that elicits an immune response against E. canis; b) identifying said T cell epitope from said protein; c) incorporating said T cell epitope into a construct capable of expressing said epitope as a protein; and d) harvesting said protein.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein said amino acid peptide fragment comprises nine to twenty amino acids.
 43. The method of claim 41 wherein said construct capable of expressing said epitope further comprises a recombinant DNA encoding a protein which is capable of being internalized into eukaryotic cells, including cells of the immune system.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein said protein capable of being internalized into eukaryotic cells comprises a toxin selected from the group consisting of: a) a recombinant adenylate cyclase of Bordetella bronchiseptica; and b) a recombinant exotoxin A (PE) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
 45. The method of claim 41 wherein said vaccine is injected into said host in a manner selected from the group consisting of: a) intramuscular injection; and b) subcutaneous injection.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein said host is a dog.
 47. A recombinant DNA comprising said DNA selected from the group consisting of a) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; b) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; c) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ.ID. NO. 7; d) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; and e) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO.
 11. 48. A vector capable of expressing a recombinant DNA comprising: a) a recombinant DNA inserted into said vector such that a recombinant protein is expressed when said vector is provided in an appropriate host wherein said DNA is selected from the group consisting of: i) a recombinant DNA sequence that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a recombinant DNA sequence that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a recombinant DNA sequence that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a recombinant DNA sequence that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and vi) any portion of said DNA above that encodes a protein that elicits an immune response against E. canis.
 49. The recombinant DNA of claim 47 wherein said DNA encodes at least one immunogenic epitope.
 50. A vector capable of expressing a recombinant DNA comprising: a) a recombinant DNA inserted into said vector such that a recombinant protein is expressed when said vector is provided in an appropriate host wherein said DNA is selected from the group consisting of: i) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; and v) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO.
 11. 51. Serological diagnosis techniques using: a) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; b) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; c) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; d) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; and e) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO.
 11. 52. The method of kinetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay comprising the steps of: a) selecting an antigen to be added to microtiter plates that includes an immunogenic epitope comprising a recombinant protein selected from the group consisting of: i) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; vi) any portion of said DNA above that encodes a protein that elicits an immune response against E. canis b) adding an antiserum of the species allowing it to complementarily bind to the antigen; c) adding the antibody to the microtiter plate, allowing the antibody to bind to the antigen; d) washing the microtiter plate to remove any unbound antibodies; e) adding an enzyme the microtiter plates allowing the enzyme to bind to the antibody; f) washing the microtiter plate to remove any unbound enzyme; and g) adding the enzyme's substrate, allowing it to bind to the enzyme, which produces a color change when bound.
 53. The method of claim 52, where said species is a canine.
 54. The method of claim 52, wherein antiserum added to the microtiter plate is goat anti-canine.
 55. The method of claim 52, wherein the antibody added to the microtiter plate is second antibodies of a goat anti-canine antibody of heavy and light chain specificity.
 56. The method of claim 52, wherein the enzyme added to the microtiter plate is horseradish peroxidase.
 57. The method of claim 52, wherein the enzyme's substrate is chromogen tetramethylbenzidine with H₂O₂.
 58. The method of western blot analysis comprising the steps of: a) obtaining the species serum with antigens, where said antigen includes an immunogenic epitope comprising a recombinant protein selected from the group consisting of:; i) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; vi) any portion of said DNA above that encodes a protein that elicits an immune response against E. canis b) running the serum through sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, allowing proteins to be fractionated into a series of bands arranged in order of molecular weight; c) transferring the proteins to a filter by blotting; d) adding antibodies tagged with a dye are washed over the filter, allowing the antibodies to bind to the fractionated proteins; and e) adding substrates to develop the bands on the filter.
 59. The method of claim 58, wherein said species is a canine.
 60. The method of claim 58, wherein the antibodies are goat anti-dog igG conjugated to horseradish peroxidase.
 61. The method of claim 58, wherein the substrates added to develop the bands on the filter are: a) 4 chloro-1-napthol in methyl alcohol; b) tris-buffer solution with a pH of 7.5; and c) 30% H₂O₂.
 62. The method of polymerase chain reaction comprising the steps of: a) selecting a target strand of DNA that will serve as a template for DNA synthesis comprising recombinant DNA selected from the group consisting of: i) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 3; ii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 5; iii) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 7; iv) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 9; v) a recombinant DNA that encodes a protein having an amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ. ID. NO. 11; and vi) any portion of said DNA above that encodes a protein that elicits an immune response against E. canis; b) adding a mixture containing enzymes, nucleotides, DNA polymerase, and primers; c) subjecting above mixture to a number of cycles of amplification in an automated DNA cycler; and d) using products of said cycles of amplification and performing gel electrophoresis.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the mixture is comprised of: a) 50 mM KCl; b) 10 mM Tris-HCl with a pH of 8.3; c) 1.5 mM MgCl2; d) 0.5% NP40; e) 0.5% Tween 20; f) 200 mM each of deoxynucleoside triphosphates; g) 2 mM of primer sets; and h) 2 U of thermostable Taq DNA polymerase.
 64. The method of claim 62, wherein the said number of cycles of amplification is
 40. 65. The method of claim 62, wherein the said cycles of amplification are comprised of: a) heating to 94° C. for 1 minute to allow the DNA to denature; b) cooling to 69° C. for 1 minute to allow the primers to anneal; and c) heating to 72° C. for 2 minutes to allow for primer extension. 